Number 10 confirmed earlier that members of the PM's team were in contact with the Times on Saturday before the story about Carrie Johnson was pulled.
The piece alleged that Boris Johnson attempted to install his now-wife in a £100,000 a year job in the foreign office at the time they were conducting a secret affair.
Two headlines posted within minutes of each other.
— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) June 20, 2022
The No10 *alternative facts* machine is pumping at full speed today. pic.twitter.com/3gREKkyquM
Responding to the admission Naomi Smith, CEO of better democracy campaign group Best for Britain, said
“This revelation from the heart of the government suggests a violation of press freedom at a time when public trust is already low, so serious questions must be answered as to why Johnson’s staff thought it appropriate to intervene on a story of public interest.
“A free press is a fundamental part of a functioning democracy. It must be protected from the influence of those in power.”